Hey You 👋
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of DMs and messages from fellow writers and professionals asking —
“How did you start freelancing?”
“Is it worth quitting your full-time job?”
“How do you find consistent clients?”
“Does posting on LinkedIn really get you leads?”
This past month has been full of these conversations, so I thought — why not share it all here, once and for all?Not the fluffy “how to freelance” advice you find everywhere, but what actually worked for me. Yes, so if you’re one of them, this edition is for you 🤝
The Starting Point: Why I Chose Freelancing
When I left my full-time job, I didn’t have it all figured out. Neither had any idea how I was going to approach this way. But I knew one thing — I wanted exposure:
Exposure to working in different spaces
Exposure to working on versatile projects
Freedom of choosing projects
Freedom to work at my own hours
Freedom of working from anywhere
That’s when I decided to upskill myself with Viraj Sir’s course.It wasn’t just about writing better — it was about understanding how to make my writing work for clients, how to sell my skills, and how to think like a strategist.That changed everything.
Step 1: Learning & Rebuilding Myself
After upskilling, I realized my online presence needed a complete rebuild.So I worked on:
Creating a sellable portfolio (not just a list of samples, but stories showing results) in a presentable manner.
Updating my LinkedIn banner, headline, and About section — every part that could make a client stop and see my value
Learning how to pitch effectively — not sending cold DMs, but personalized messages that build trust and show that you have done some research.
I’ve attached this image to show how a successful pitch looks like and how founders reply. Let me know if you want me to share my pitch that I’ve sent him.
I wasn’t perfect. I didn’t know everything.But I started. So I’m improving.And that’s honestly the most important step — start even when it’s messy.
Step 2: Learning From Others (Not Copying, But Observing)
I began observing how other freelancers were doing it — their profiles, their pitches, their tone on LinkedIn, their content style.I didn’t copy anyone, but I learned patterns — what works and what doesn’t.And then I implemented, tested, and refined my own approach.
Because freelancing isn’t about following a formula — it’s about finding your rhythm.
Step 3: Picking My Niche (and Owning It)
I knew my niche — e-commerce and lifestyle content — where I already had expertise.So I started from there instead of randomly exploring everything.
Once I built my confidence and portfolio in that space, I slowly started exploring new niches — tech, HR, SaaS, finance — one by one.Even today, I won’t say I’ve figured everything out.But compared to a year ago? I’ve grown, refined, and learned a lot.
And luckily today I’m working in one of the niche I’ve been dreaming for so long.
Very soon, I’ll share about that work on Linkedin itself 😉
Step 4: Getting Clients (and Keeping Them)
Once my base was ready — portfolio, positioning, and profile — I started pitching.I reached out to potential clients directly, joined communities, and leveraged LinkedIn visibility.It didn’t happen overnight. But gradually, I started getting replies, projects, and then , inbound leads, clients.
I won’t say I’ve a consistent pipeline but still the things are fare better than earlier. I have consistent work, and things are going good.
With one good client, you can always make another, and that’s how it works.
Well, the truth is….Consistency brings visibility. Visibility brings trust. And trust brings clients.
So be consistent and visible: the most important combination in freelancing and building your personal brand.
What You Need to Start Freelancing (A Quick Checklist)
If you’re planning to transition from full-time to freelance, here’s what I’d say:👇
Upskill first: Don’t just rely on what you already know — learn how to sell your skills, negiatiate rates, pitch your services, show your expertise that what you will bring.
Build a portfolio that converts: Not just samples, but stories that show impact and results. Because client love to see results, proofs, not the fluff- I do this and will bring that. For example: Here is my portfolio. (Feel free to DM me if you stuck in building your portfolio). I have included everything like results, testimonials, my newsletter and everything related to me.
Polish your LinkedIn profile: It’s your digital resume + reputation+ landing page for clients. Make sure to be active here and update it based on your current things.Leaving how to optimise linkedin topic for another edition.
Network with intention: Don’t spam DMs; connect with them, build genuine relationships. Tell them what you do, appreciate thier work. And softly tell them that you want to collaborate and be in touch with them. This way you will make some warm leads that might offer work later.
Be patient: The first few months will test your confidence — but stay consistent. Because that’s where people collapse, they compare a lot rather than working on themselves. Things take time, you will get many rejections but rememeber that’s how you’'ll improve yourself and make yourself better for your next client.
Keep learning: The freelancing world changes fast; stay curious. Sta ahead with the trends, see what’s trending in the market, what’s that one skills is getting hype and learn that. You have to be in the race to beat others. The much versatile you would be with your work, the more opportunities you will get.
🫶 A Note Before You Go
I didn’t start freelancing because I wanted an “easy” life.I started because I wanted freedom — to choose projects, learn endlessly, and grow without limits, work from anywhere and travel whenever I want while working. It’s not always smooth, but it’s worth it…. especially when you get good feedbacks from your clients and people. That’s when you realise, you’re doing right.
And if you’re reading this, wondering whether you should leap — Start where you are, with what you have, and learn as you go. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You need to start.
Some of my fellow freelancers, asked me this- “ should i start freelancing, and if yes then how much it is worth doing that? And if yes then how to start and where to go first?
So to all these hundred similar questions, I’d still say: Build your portfolio> Update or optimise your linkedin profile. Then you’re all set to go ahead.
Now, if you’re one of these people, I hope this edition would be helpful for you. Share this with someone who might need this or someone who is pivoting to freelancing.
The weekend is packed with holidays, so I wanted to give you something interesting and helpful to read. If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this newsletter or DM me and let me know if you want me to cover something specific.
Well, Diwali is almost here. So, I hope you enjoy the festival, eating sweets while reading my newsletter hehehe.
Anyways, Happy Diwali guys, Burn crackers with safety. Will meet in next time with another issue.
Till then bye bye,
See you in the next edition,
Divya ✍️